Basil Pesto Chicken Alfredo

My kids love “white noodles,” and this Basil Pesto Chicken Alfredo is no exception. They can be picky at times, but I love that I can usually depend on a good pasta recipe to make sure they eat more than chicken nuggets and grilled cheese sandwiches. Because they would if I let them…

Basil pesto is a great shortcut ingredient to use. It’s packed with flavor, and I knew using it as a little marinade and putting it in the pasta would make a great dish! It’s a winner winner chicken dinner folks!

How to Make Basil Pesto Chicken Alfredo:

Boil your water for the pasta.

Coat chicken with seasoning and pesto.

Grill the chicken using indoor or outdoor grill.

Add noodles to boiling water.

Begin alfredo sauce while chicken and pasta cook.

Once noodles and sauce are cooked, toss them together, and top with sliced chicken.

Tips for Making Basil Pesto Alfredo:

Use thin-cut chicken breasts for quicker cooking. If you have regular, just slice them horizontally using a good knife.

Buy your favorite basil pesto. The one I use can be found with pasta sauces.

Buy a quality pre-shredded parmesan cheese. I usually find mine in the refrigerated section.

In a large pot, bring water for pasta to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to package directions.

Place chicken in a plastic storage bag. Add ¾ tsp creole seasoning and 3 tbsp pesto to the bag. Seal while letting out air. Toss chicken in bag to evenly coat with seasoning and pesto.

Preheat an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill. If using indoor, coat grill pan with a little olive oil. Grill chicken breasts about 7 to 9 minutes per side or until cooked through.

While chicken cooks, melt butter and olive oil in a large sauce pan over medium high. Add garlic and cook about a minute. Add 1 tbsp of pesto, stir, and cook for about 30 seconds. Add flour, stir, and cook about 1 more minute. Add half and half and remaining ¾ tsp creole seasoning. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add parmesan and simmer another 3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Once pasta is cooked, drain and add it to the sauce tossing to coat.

**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Diary of a Recipe Collector! See my privacy policy for more info**

Jaren

I am a wife to an awesome husband, mother of four great kids, and a middle school math teacher. I love collecting recipes and cookbooks! Being able to share the things I make with others is so much fun for me. I have gotten so many cookbooks and torn so many recipes out of magazines! This is my way to really make use of them. I am starting this blog as a way to chronicle the recipes I’ve tried and pass them along. I hope everyone enjoys!!!